DEL NORTE COUNTY, Calif. – An arrest has been made in connection with a Northern California homicide investigation.
The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office said in the early morning hours of April 22, 22-year-old Joseph Deford was seen leaving the Patriot Gas Station on Northcrest Drive in Crescent City. About 25 minutes later, Deford was found unresponsive near the 200 block of Harding Avenue.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they attempted life-saving efforts but they were ultimately unsuccessful and Deford was later pronounced dead. While at the hospital, what appeared to be a small-caliber gunshot wound was found in Deford’s back.
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Deputies arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with the death of Joseph Deford, the Del Norte County Sheriff s Office announced Tuesday.
Neil Hiller was booked into the Del Norte County Jail on one charge of murder, according to DNSO.
From a DNSO Facebook post:
We can confirm that the DNSO has arrested Neil Hiller (33) as a suspect for the homicide of Joseph Deford.
This case is currently very active and details will be forthcoming. It is important that we focus on the investigation in cooperation with the DN District Attorney s Office so that the case can be properly adjudicated.
As our Investigations Unit continues to tirelessly move forward, we would like to thank the community members that stepped up. You are making and continue to make the difference.
Law enforcement officers have arrested a 33 year-old man, Neil Hiller, suspected of shooting and killing 22 year-old Joseph Deford during the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to a Tuesday release by the Del Norte County Sheriff, Hiller was arrested Monday in connection with Deford s homicide.Â
The Del Norte County Sheriffâs Office said they received a call at 1:14 a.m. Thursday; the caller reported a man lying on the ground near the 200 block of Harding Ave. An officer arrived on scene and found Deford unresponsive. The officer attempted CPR and administered naloxone, which is typically used in opioid overdoses. However, Deford could not be revived and was transported to Sutter Coast Hospital, where a small caliber bullet was found in his back, according to police.